The Unexpected Moment Bill Belichick Nearly Brought Stephon Gilmore to Tears Revealed

Based on Gilmore’s explanation of his own reaction to getting ripped in the film room, it made a difference.

“He killed me one day, bro,” Gilmore said, via Jordy McElroy of USA Today. “It was when I first got there. I was pressed down on the receiver. It was a bunch route. . . . And I got picked. Bro, he killed me the next meeting. I almost cried, how he did me. I ain’t going to lie to you. I went to the bathroom, like man, bro. I can tell you one thing: I ain’t never got picked again after that.”When Belichick’s ways lead to positive results, everyone falls in line. If he hadn’t won fairly quickly in New England, he may not have lasted much longer than the Belichick various former assistants, whose time usually ran out before they could prove that mercilessly ripping players for mistakes during practices and games lays the foundation for winning.Appearing on The Money Down podcast, Gilmore told a story about a meeting-room critique he received from New England coach Bill Belichick.Stephon Gilmore isn’t just thinking about lacing up for another season—he’s got his sights set on 2025. But here’s the kicker: he’s on the hunt for a spot that feels just right. When Gilmore first landed in New England after five years with the Bills, doubt crept in. Was this the right fit? On a recent episode of The Money Down podcast, he opened up about a harsh reality check from Bill Belichick—a meeting so intense it nearly brought him to tears. That critique wasn’t just tough love; it set a tone that nothing, not even star players like Tom Brady, escaped unscathed. Gilmore’s story is a vivid glimpse into the unforgiving culture Bill’s crafted—one where excellence is demanded, and mediocrity gets called out, mercilessly. It’s a method that can make or break careers, stir controversy, and ultimately build championship teams. Curious to dive deeper? LEARN MORE.Belichick had no sacred cows. He went after Tom Brady, regularly. From newcomers like Randy Moss in 2007 to Chad Johnson in 2011, witnessing The Goat get gotten by his coach sent a clear message that, if you deserve to be called out, you will be.

Of course, Brady has said he knew it was coming. And Brady took it, because it kept everyone else on their toes.That doesn’t mean the approach always works. When Belichick’s lieutenants have tried to export the tactic to teams with a different culture, it has created some hard feelings. And it has upped the ante on winning, sooner than later.Veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore wants to play in 2025, but he’s looking for the right situation. When he arrived in New England after spending his first five NFL seasons with the Bills, Gilmore thought he may have ended up in the wrong situation.